Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across Ethan’s face as he sat at his kitchen table. The gentle glow should have been comforting, but instead, it only highlighted his unease. He felt a constant thrumming in his temples, a sense of being pulled in opposite directions. He felt the need to flee.

He’d just got off the phone with his friend, Alex. Alex remembered the day they found the old treasure map. Alex remembered the excitement, the thrill of the chase, the feeling of shared adventure. Ethan remembered the relentless heat, the frustration, the crushing disappointment.

“It was the best day of my life, dude!” Alex had crowed on the phone, his voice overflowing with laughter. Ethan felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest.